Refuge Chamber - MineSAFE Compact Design

The MineSAFE Compact Design Refuge Chamber is designed specifically for tight mining confines, such as single-entry development headings. This small, compact, ultra-portable emergency refuge station is easy to manoeuvre and position around underground mine sites.

The Compact Design (CD) is designed for optimum autonomy. The chamber’s ELVP (extra-low-voltage-portable) control system means it can sit stand-alone for extended periods without requiring connection to mains (mine) power.

MineSAFE Compact Design Refuge Chamber

MineSAFE Compact Design Refuge Chamber Overview

The MineSAFE Compact Design Refuge Chamber can be taken virtually anywhere, anytime; providing personnel with an emergency safe-refuge alternative in every part of the underground mine.

Personnel situated directly at the working face (e.g. drill operators) run the risk of being trapped behind a fire or other hazard further up the decline. The Compact Design refuge station has been engineered specifically for this type of scenario – providing a place of safe-refuge even in the most remote, inaccessible parts of the mine.

Standard configurations are available based on occupancy – from 4 to 8 people - however, the rescue chamber dimensions and rated occupancy can be custom-engineered to site specifications, without compromising on safety or performance. Special transport configurations include the addition of an IT Hitch or Scoop Frame.

Specifications

Model Occupancy Height (m/inch) Width (m/inch) Length (m/inch) Weight (kg/lb)
MS-CD1-04-ELVP-36 4-Person 4-Person 2 / 78.7" 2 / 78.7" 2200 / 4900
MS-CD2-06-ELVP-36 6-Person 2 / 78.7" 2 / 78.7" 2.4 / 94.5" 2350 / 5200
MS-CD3-08-ELVP-36 8-Person 2 / 78.7" 2 / 78.7" 3 / 118" 2900 / 6400
  • Aura-FX Fixed Gas Monitor
  • 5mm Steel Plate Construction
  • Blast Rating: 5psi
  • CO & CO2 Scrubbing
  • Breathable Air (O2) Supply
  • Air Conditioning
  • 36hrs UPS Battery with Option to Upgrade
  • Viewing Porthole
  • Pre-packaged Chemical Cartridges
  • ELVP (Extra-Low-Voltage-Portable) Controller
  • Ergonomically Designed Seating
  • Receptacle Plug
  • Satellite UPS System
  • Duration Upgrade
  • First Aid Kit
  • Carbon Monoxide Safety-Off-System
  • Positive Pressure Maintenance System
  • Automated Oxygen Delivery System
  • MineSAFE Compact Design 4-Person Refuge Chamber
    MS-CD1-04-ELVP-36
  • MineSAFE Compact Design 6-Person Refuge Chamber
    MS-CD2-06-ELVP-36
  • MineSAFE Compact Design 8-Person Refuge Chamber
    MS-CD3-08-ELVP-36

Chamber Exterior – Front

The ‘face’ of the refuge chamber is designed primarily for easy identification and quick access during an emergency.

The strobe lighting, warning siren and reflective signage alert passers-by to the chamber’s location, whilst the rotating door handles provide simple, straight forward access to the safety of the interior.

Chamber Interior

Inside a MineSAFE Compact Design Refuge Chamber, a number of vital life-support systems combine to create a safe, ongoing environment for occupants. Systems include; primary and secondary air (oxygen) supplies, air conditioning systems, positive pressure systems, electrical systems, gas detection and a chemical scrubbing system.

The MineSAFE Compact Design uses active chemicals and MineARC's ELVP (extra-low-voltage-portable) Scrubbing System to ‘scrub’ the build up of harmful CO2 (carbon dioxide) and CO (carbon monoxide) from the air inside the refuge chamber.

Chamber Exterior – Rear

A secure cabinet at the rear of the MineSAFE Compact Design houses the refuge chamber’s UPS battery back up (Uninterruptible Power Supply). The UPS is a fail-safe system that can power the refuge chamber’s internal life support systems for a minimum of 36hrs, should mine power become cut-off.

The Compact Design's unique dual UPS battery bank configuration enables the chamber to sit standalone from mains power for extended durations. When on ‘standby’ the refuge chamber’s external strobe lights and siren will still operate, alerting personnel to the refuge chamber’s position. When the chamber is used in an emergency situation, the ‘primary’ battery bank is activated; powering the refuge chamber’s entire life support systems.

Also at the rear of the chamber is the Compressed Air Management System (CAMS), which allows regulated compressed air into the refuge chamber when the pressure inside drops below 200Pa. This process optimises mine air usage and guarantees against over-pressurisation of the refuge chamber. CAMS' gas toxicity monitor automatically diverts compressed air if oxygen levels in the airline fall below a set level (18% oxygen in free air), signifying air contamination. Additionally, the incorporated flood protection valve automatically shuts down compressed air to avoid catastrophic and costly chamber damage in the event of water ingress.

Comparison Table

Capacity Every refuge chamber is built with a certain rated occupancy in mind. The life support systems are designed to safely house this number of people for the designated duration.
Advanced Digital Control System All refuge chambers with a Series IV Scrubbing System feature MineARC's unique Advanced Digital Control System.
iVAN iVAN is an on-board navigation assistant that guides occupants through operational procedures.
 Aura-FX Gas monitoring Modular construction
Powerless Portable System MineARC's Powerless Portable System means it can sit stand-alone for extended periods without requiring connection to mains (mine) power
 Air-conditioning 36hrs Battery Backup
5psi Blast Rating MineARC offers blast rating upgrades to all refuge chambers.
8-30
4-8
8-30
8-26
12-32
30-500

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